Collapsible pong gaming table

ABSTRACT

A collapsible pong gaming table includes an elongated fabric table body having a top surface, a bottom surface, a first end, a second end, a first side and a second side. The table also includes a plurality of elongated channels located about the periphery of the table body, and a plurality of cup holders that are arranged symmetrically along a longitudinal axis of the table body. A plurality of collapsible support members are removably inserted throughout the channels, and are connected to collapsible legs.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to game tables, and morespecifically to a fully portable and collapsible table for playing beerpong.

BACKGROUND

The statements in this section merely provide background informationrelated to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

The game of “Beer Pong” is a popular game among young adults,particularly in bars and on college campuses. The game is typicallyplayed on a hard table top, such as a ping pong table with the centernet removed, and an array of drinking cups are placed along each end ofthe table top. Each cup is filled with beer or, for younger players,soda. The game is played wherein players on one side of the tableattempt to throw or bounce a ping pong ball into one of the cups in thearray on the other side of the table. If the ball lands in a cup, one ofthe players on that side of the table must drink the beer/soda that isin that cup, and remove the cup from play.

Previous attempts have been made to standardize the set-up of the cupsinto which the ping pong ball is being tossed. For example, U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2005/0029747 discloses a triangular holder,which functions to align the target cups at each end of a regular hardsurface table. Although useful, the device is limited to the ability ofa user to properly align each holder relative to the dimensions of thetable, or one team may gain an unfair advantage.

Likewise, U.S. Pat. No. 7,325,807 is directed to a hard surface tabletop, that includes integrated markings and/or grooves for ensuringproper placement of cups and the like. Although this device can be usedin fixed locations having an existing table or other surface onto whichthe device can be placed, it is not practical for use in outdoorenvironments such as tailgating, the beach, or outdoor picnics, forexample, where the ability to quickly and easily transport, setup andtakedown equipment is important, as well as the ability to withstandlong term exposure to the elements. Moreover, none of the known devicesfor playing beer pong provide a surface which can be thoroughly cleanedor washed, without requiring a user to manually scrub the table.

Accordingly, the need exists for a fully portable and collapsible ponggaming table that does not suffer from the drawbacks of the above noteddevices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a collapsible pong gaming table.One embodiment of the present invention can include a main table bodythat is constructed from machine washable fabric material. The main bodycan include a plurality of integrated cup holders that are arranged atopposite ends of the table in generally opposing triangular shapes. Thetable body can be supported by a plurality of quick connect supporttubes that can be serially connected and secured within channels locatedabout the periphery of the table body. Four collapsible legs can engagethe table corners in order provide a suitable table height for gameplay.

In another embodiment, the cup holders are integrally formed into thetable surface and can be constructed from mesh fabric for allowingliquids to pass therethrough.

This summary is provided merely to introduce certain concepts and not toidentify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Presently preferred embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should beappreciated, however, that the invention is not limited to the precisearrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIG. 1 is a perspective exploded parts view of a pong gaming table in acollapsed orientation, in accordance with one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the table body of the pong gaming table, inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the table body of the pong gaming table, inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a front view of a support member of the pong gaming table, inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is front view of a collapsible leg of the pong gaming table, inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a front view of a corner connector of the pong gaming table,in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the pong gaming table in an assembledorientation, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the specification concludes with claims defining the features ofthe invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that theinvention will be better understood from a consideration of thedescription in conjunction with the drawings. As required, detailedembodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, itis to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplaryof the invention which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore,specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not tobe interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and asa representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variouslyemploy the inventive arrangements in virtually any appropriatelydetailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are notintended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandabledescription of the invention.

Identical reference numerals are used for like elements of the inventionor elements of like function. For the sake of clarity, only thosereference numerals are shown in the individual figures which arenecessary for the description of the respective figure. For purposes ofthis description, the terms “upper,” “bottom,” “right,” “left,” “front,”“vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to theinvention as oriented in FIG. 2.

FIG. 1 is an exploded parts view of a collapsible pong gaming table 10in a fully collapsed orientation, that is useful for understanding theinventive concepts disclosed herein. As shown, the table 10, inaccordance with one embodiment, can include a fabric table body 20, aplurality of interlocking support members 40, a plurality of collapsiblelegs 50, a plurality of corner connectors 60 and a carrying bag 15.

The carrying bag 15 can function to receive and store each of the tablecomponents 20-60, when disassembled. The bag 15 can preferably beconstructed from nylon fabric and can include a handle 15 b, anddrawstring 15 a or other such mechanism for securely closing andtightening the bag opening.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate one embodiment of the table body 20 in anexpanded position. As shown, the table body can include an elongatedgenerally rectangular shape having a top surface 21, a bottom surface22, first end 23, a second end 24, a first side 25, a second side 26,and a longitudinal axis X, extending between the first and second ends.

In one embodiment, the top surface 21 and the bottom surface 22 can beconstructed from individual solid sheets of machine washable nylonfabric, for example, that are joined together via seam connectors 27,along each of the ends 23 and 24, and each of the sides 25 and 26,forming channels 23 a, 24 a, 25 a and 26 a, respectively. Each of thesechannels including an opening 28 along each end for receiving thesupport members 40, described below.

As described herein, the seam connectors 27 can preferably includeindustrial grade stitches, however any number of other known devices andmethods for securing two or more pieces of material together can beutilized. Several nonlimiting examples including, liquid seams, hem tapeand heat sealing, for example.

In the preferred embodiment, the table body 20 can include a length(e.g., distance between ends 23 and 24) of approximately 8 feet, and awidth (e.g., distance between sides 25 and 26) of approximately 2 feet.Of course, any number of other shapes and dimensions are alsocontemplated. Although described above as utilizing nylon fabric, thetable body 20 can also be constructed from any number of otherlightweight, durable synthetic polymers, that are safe for use inresidential washing machines and dryers.

A plurality of cup holders 30 can be disposed along the main body atlocations adjacent to the first end 23 and the second end 24. In thepreferred embodiment, the cup holders 30 can be arranged symmetricallyalong the longitudinal axis forming a generally triangular shape at eachend. In addition to the symmetrically arranged cup holders 30, the mainbody can also include one or more rinse cup holders 31 which can belocated adjacent to the first and second sides 25 and 26.

Each of the cup holders 30 and 31 can preferably be constructed from asturdy porous material such as nylon mesh, for example that is sewn ontothe main body. As shown best in FIG. 3, each of the cup holders can formpockets having a top surface that is generally flush with the topsurface of the main body 21, and a bottom end that extends below thebottom surface of the main body 22, in order to securely align andposition drinking cups (such as conventional 18-US-fluid ouncedisposable plastic cups, for example) onto the table in the illustratedconfiguration. In the preferred embodiment, each of the cup holders 30and 31 can include a diameter of approximately 2¾ inches; however, anynumber of other sizes are also contemplated. Although described above asusing nylon mesh, any number of other porous materials which do notcollect liquids and that are safe for machine washing and drying canalso be utilized.

FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of a collapsible interlocking supportmember 40 for use with the table 10. In one embodiment, the table 10 caninclude ten individual support members 40, which can be joined togetherand positioned within the channels 23 a, 24 a, 25 a and 26 a, in orderto form the frame of the table. As such, each member 40 can include apair of identically sized tubular frame segments 41 and 42 that areconnected via an elastic cord 44, in order to allow the segments to bequickly and easily aligned. Each support member further including one ormore in-line couplers 43 for joining the tubular segments and/oradjacent support members together in a serial configuration.

In the preferred embodiment, each tubular segment can be constructedfrom lightweight PVC pipes, having a diameter of approximately 1 inchand a length of approximately 12 inches. As such, each assembled supportmember can include an overall length of approximately 24 inches. Ofcourse, other embodiments having more or less individual segments withvarying dimensions, lengths, diameters and/or construction materials arealso contemplated.

FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of one of the collapsible legs 50 foruse with the table 10. In one embodiment, the table 10 can include fourindividual legs which can be joined with the support members 40 via acorner connector 60 described below. As shown, each leg 50 canpreferably include three tubular leg segments 51, 52 and 53 that arealso connected via elastic cords 44, in order to allow the segments tobe quickly and easily aligned. The legs also including in-line couplers43 for joining the tubular leg segments together in a serialconfiguration. An enlarged and generally flat base section 55 can beprovided along the bottom edge of leg segment 51, in order to provideenhanced stability when the table is fully assembled.

In the preferred embodiment, each tubular leg segment can be constructedfrom lightweight PVC pipes, having a 1 inch diameter. Tubular legsegments 51 and 53 can each include a length of approximately 12 inches,and tubular leg segment 52 can include a length of approximately 10inches. As such, each assembled leg 50 can include an overall length ofapproximately 28 inches. Of course, other embodiments having more orless individual segments with varying dimensions, lengths and/orconstruction materials are also contemplated.

FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of a corner connector 60 for use withthe table 10. In one embodiment, the table 10 can include four cornerconnectors for engaging the support members 40 and table legs 50described above. As shown, each connector 60 can include a main body 61having a pair of generally horizontally oriented openings 62 and 63 anda generally vertically oriented opening 64, each of said openings beingoffset by an angle of approximately 90 degrees relative to one another.In the preferred embodiment, the corner connector can include acommercially available 90 degree PVC elbow.

FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of the collapsible pong table 10 in afully assembled orientation. As shown, four corner connectors can bepositioned adjacent to the opening 28 of each channel 23 a, 24 a, 25 aand 26 a. Channels 25 a and 26 a can each include three assembledsupport members that are serially connected to each other, and to acorner connector 60 at each end. Likewise, channels 23 a and 24 a caneach include two assembled support members that are serially connectedto each other, and to the other end of the corner connector 60 at eachend. Finally, each of the four assembled leg members 50 can be connectedto the vertical opening of each corner connector 60.

In operation, the collapsible pong game table 10 can be quickly andeasily setup and collapsed within minutes. The lightweight and weatherresistant materials function to allow the game to be played in outdoorenvironments (but not limited to outdoor environments), without fear ofdamaging the table. After players have finished playing the game, orafter a particularly bad beer spill, the entire table can be simplyrinsed off with a garden hose, or other water. Moreover, the entiretable surface 20 can be fully and completely laundered in a conventionalwashing machine after use, in order to ensure no residual spills remainon the table. Such a feature eliminating the unpleasant odors which arefound on traditional beer pong tables after initial use.

As described herein, one or more elements of the collapsible table 10can be secured together utilizing any number of known attachment meanssuch as, for example, screws, glue, compression fittings and welds,among others. Moreover, although the above embodiments have beendescribed as including separate individual elements, the inventiveconcepts disclosed herein are not so limiting. To this end, one of skillin the art will recognize that one or more individual elements such asthe table surface 20 and pockets 30, the support members 40 legs 50and/or corner connectors 60, including all subcomponents, for example,may be formed together as various continuous elements, either throughmanufacturing processes, such as welding, casting, or molding, orthrough the use of a singular pieces of material milled or machined withthe aforementioned components forming identifiable sections thereof.

As to a further description of the manner and use of the presentinvention, the same should be apparent from the above description.Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage andoperation will be provided.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Asused herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify thepresence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of allmeans or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended toinclude any structure, material, or act for performing the function incombination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. Thedescription of the present invention has been presented for purposes ofillustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive orlimited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications andvariations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artwithout departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Theembodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the invention and the practical application, and to enableothers of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention forvarious embodiments with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated.

What is claimed is:
 1. A collapsible pong gaming table, comprising: anelongated generally rectangular table body having a top surface, abottom surface, a first end, a second end, a first side and a secondside; a plurality of elongated channels that are disposed along an outerperiphery of each of said first end, second end, first side and secondside; a plurality of cup holders that are arranged symmetrically along alongitudinal axis of the table body, said plurality of cup holdersforming a first triangular shape that is located adjacent to the firstend of the table body, and a second triangular shape that is locatedadjacent to the second end of the table body; a plurality of supportmembers having a shape and dimension suitable for positioning withineach of the elongated channels; and a plurality of legs that areconfigured to engage each of the table body and at least one supportmember.
 2. The table of claim 1, wherein said table body is constructedfrom at least one sheet of machine washable fabric.
 3. The table ofclaim 2, wherein each of the plurality of elongated channels areintegrally formed within the at least one sheet of machine washablefabric, via seam connectors.
 4. The table of claim 1, wherein each ofthe cup holders are constructed from a porous material that functions toallow liquids to flow therethrough.
 5. The table of claim 1, whereineach of the cup holders includes a top surface that is generally flushwith the top surface of the table body, and a bottom end that extendsbeyond the bottom surface of the table body.
 6. The table of claim 1,wherein each of the plurality of support members include a first andsecond frame segment that are connected by an elastic cord.
 7. The tableof claim 6, wherein each of the first and second frame members includesan identical size.
 8. The table of claim 6, wherein each of the firstand second frame members includes a size that is not identical.
 9. Thetable of claim 1, wherein the plurality of support members consists often individual support members, each having an identically sized firstand second frame segment.
 10. The table of claim 1, wherein each of theplurality of legs include a first leg segment, a second leg segment anda third leg segment that are each connected via a pair of elastic cords.11. The table of claim 10, wherein at least one of the first, second andthird leg segments include a size that is different from another of theleg segments.
 12. The table of claim 1, wherein the plurality of legsconsists of four individual legs.
 13. The device of claim 1, furthercomprising: a plurality of corner connectors, each of said connectorsbeing configured to engage and align two support members in a horizontalconfiguration, and a single leg in a vertical configuration.
 14. Thetable of claim 1, further comprising: a carrying bag, said bagfunctioning to receive and store each of the table body, support membersand legs, when the table is in a collapsed orientation.
 15. Acollapsible pong gaming table, comprising: an elongated generallyrectangular table body having a top surface, a bottom surface, a firstend, a second end, a first side, a second side, and a plurality of tablebody corners, wherein said table surface is constructed from at leastone sheet of machine washable fabric; a plurality of cup holders thatare arranged symmetrically along a longitudinal axis of the table body,said plurality of cup holders forming a first triangular shape that islocated adjacent to the first end of the table body, and a secondtriangular shape that is located adjacent to the second end of the tablebody; a plurality of elongated channels that are disposed along an outerperiphery of each of the first end, second end, first side and secondside; a plurality of support members that are disposed within each ofthe elongated channels; a plurality of collapsible legs that areconfigured to engage each of the table body and at least one supportmember a plurality of corner connectors that positioned along each ofthe plurality of table body corners, each of said corner connectorsbeing in communication with two of the plurality of support members, andone of the plurality of collapsible legs, said corner connectors furtherfunctioning to position each of the support members at a generallyhorizontal angle, and each of the collapsible legs at a generallyvertical angle.
 16. The table of claim 15, wherein each of the cupholders are constructed from a porous material that functions to allowliquids to flow therethrough.
 17. The table of claim 15, wherein each ofthe cup holders includes a top surface that is generally flush with thetop surface of the table body, and a bottom end that extends beyond thebottom surface of the table body.
 18. The table of claim 15, whereineach of the plurality of support members include a first and secondframe segment that are connected by an elastic cord.
 19. The table ofclaim 15, wherein the plurality of support members consists of tenindividual support members, each having an identically sized first andsecond frame segment.
 20. The table of claim 15, wherein each of theplurality of collapsible legs include a first leg segment, a second legsegment and a third leg segment that are each connected via a pair ofelastic cords.